Nature

Feb 02 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

National Butterfly Center closes indefinitely, citing threats

The National Butterfly Center in Texas is closed indefinitely due to safety threats from conspiracy theorists. The center, embroiled in border wall controversies, faces defamation and escalating threats. It hosts thousands of visitors annually and advocates for environmental education. The Center awaits the green light from authorities to reopen.

Jan 21 2022, AMY MARTIN

Former Boy Scout camp shelters nature in urban Dallas

Jan. 21, 2022

It was 1999, and the news was circulating in north Oak Cliff like wildfire.

Developers sought to buy and rezone the 160 rugged, wooded acres of the Boy Scouts’ old Camp Brooklawn. It was a stab to the heart for those Oak Cliff residents who'd spent their childhoods playing in the woods along Five Mile Creek back in the 1930s when the area was rural, except for a few abbreviated thoroughfares.

Oct 27 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Dallas park to be named for crusader of ‘rewilding’

Dallas will turn a stretch of pavement into a new park and name it after a local landscape architect whose mission was to rewild the world’s cities.

Oct 21 2021, JIM DOMKE

Denton County town honored by PETA for duck love

Providence Village in Denton County was honored with PETA's “Compassionate Town Award” for innovative measures to protect ducklings from storm drains, using recycled sediment control guards to prevent them from falling in. This solution emerged during the pandemic and is credited with resolving the issue.

Oct 15 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Rehab center aims to keep wild birds warm this winter

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas, which cares for over 5,000 wild birds annually, is raising funds for a $20,000 generator after narrowly avoiding disaster during the 2021 winter storm. Many migratory birds rely on heating to survive winter; the center aims to ensure backup power availability.

Sep 08 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Plant sleuths have 'image problem', says BRIT researcher

Plant researchers have difficulty finding field photos of nearly half of the 125,000 plant species in the Americas. Existing resources are scattered across various platforms, lacking a comprehensive global database. Researchers stress the urgent need for a unified database to aid identification and conservation efforts.

Aug 27 2021, MICHAEL SMITH

'Hill Country' nature center celebrates 10 years in DFW

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center celebrates its 10th anniversary starting October 2, with six months of festivities including walks and activities. Located in DFW, it features accessible trails and diverse wildlife. Founded by David Hurt, it's a sanctuary for nature exploration and education, with future expansion and programs planned.

Jul 16 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Dead bird count in Dallas informs light pollution campaign

Volunteers counted dead birds in Dallas to assess the impact of the Lights Out Texas campaign, aimed at reducing building collisions during migration. Though results are preliminary, efforts focus on statewide awareness and lighting reduction. Texas, a crucial flyway, highlights the significant role of lighting in bird mortality.

Jun 09 2021, JOHN KENT

Fort Worth Prairie Park efforts move ahead despite setbacks

Conservationists in Fort Worth are striving to protect the city’s last native prairie amid rapid development. The Fort Worth Prairie Park effort continues despite setbacks, aiming to unite private and public lands into a contiguous reserve. Stakeholders, including the Great Plains Restoration Council, collaborate to preserve this endangered ecosystem.

May 13 2021, JIM DOMKE

Bee friendly cities, colleges help local pollinators

Cities and colleges in North Texas collaborate with Bee City USA to aid endangered pollinators, threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Denton, Arlington, Grapevine, and universities like UNT are enhancing green spaces and launching educational initiatives to create bee-friendly environments.